Citizenship

This is a course that will broadly examine citizenship. It will include the theoretical and practical aspects of having, acquiring and loosing citizenship. This course will cover the basic notions of citizenship on a broad base and then will focus on the law regarding United States Citizenship including the practicalities of naturalization. Further topics covered will be shaped through student interest. Students will do a research and writing project and through their selection of topics will structure a substantial portion of the course. Some potential topics include: Dual citizenship; Women and Citizenship; International Concepts of Citizenship; Puerto Rican Citizenship Rights; The Constitutionality of Distinctions Between Native born and Naturalized Citizens; Loosing Citizenship; The History of Asian-American Citizenship in the United States; Comparative Concepts of Citizenship; Personal and Historical Notions of Citizenship; The Legal Personal and Practical Consequences of Naturalization; Citizenship and the Right to Vote; Reasons for Increased Interest in Naturalization.Students will be expected to actively participate in class and will be required to make a class presentation on their selected topic. Students must also submit a substantial paper on their topic. The course will be worth two credits. There has been an increased interest in applying for naturalization and an ensuing backlog for those seeking to help individuals apply for naturalization. Students in this course will be offered the opportunity to assist individuals interested in naturalization.

Fall, Spring